“What kinda pizza do you like?” Nate handed me a menu as we sat down.
“I’m fine with whatever you want.” I scanned the menu. The truth was, Darrin always ordered for us when we came here.
“Please tell me that you are not one of those girls who doesn’t eat when she goes on a date.” He glanced over the top of his menu.
“No, it’s not that.” I chewed on my lip, trying to decide how much I wanted to tell him. Talking about your ex is a big no-no when you’re on a first date.
“Jen.” He waited for me to look up. “Stop thinking so hard, and spit it out.”
“Darrin always ordered for us.” I rushed the words out as I attempted to hide behind my menu.
“Asshole,” he hissed. “That settles it.” He closed his menu and set it off to the side. “Order whatever you want. I’ll eat anything except pineapple and anchovies.”
“What?” I stared at him for a few beats until I realized he was serious.
“Get whatever you want. You pick tonight’s food.” He leaned back on his side of the booth and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m at your mercy.”
“Um, ok.” I smiled as I looked over the menu some more. I already knew what I was going to get, but I needed to make him think it was taking me awhile. When our waitress appeared beside the table, I smiled up at her. “We’ll take a large bacon and mushroom.” I grinned.
It didn’t take long for our pizza to arrive, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. “I never took you for a bacon lover.” Nate smiled as I shoved a huge bite into my mouth.
“I love bacon,” I mumbled around the bite. “Doesn’t everybody?”
“Sounds like a good theory.” He chuckled as he started eating his own piece. We ate in silence after that, only murmuring thank yous as we had seconds. It was nice, and surprising. I didn’t expect to enjoy myself the way I was with Nate. I’d heard such terrible rumors about the way he treated women, but he’s been nothing but nice to me since he first said hello. I was beginning to wonder if any of it was true.
“Thanks.” I smiled at him as he held the door open on our way out. “I had fun.”
“Were you expecting not to?” His head tipped to the side as he stared down at me.
“No.” I shrugged. “It’s just…”
“It’s just what?” He stopped and turned to face me. We were in the parking lot now, and it was dark. The sun had set long ago, and the evening air was chilly. I shivered against the light fall breeze. “You cold?”
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s just that we’re kind of an odd pair. You’re a jock, and I’m…”
“You’re an athlete too.” His brow furrowed. “Here.” He reached in the backseat of his car, and grabbed his letterman’s jacket.
“I’m fine.” I shook my head.
“You’re cold Jen. Just take it.” He sighed as he thrust it in my direction.
“Thanks.” I slipped it on. It dwarfed my small frame, but warmed me up quickly.
Nate smiled. “It looks good on you. Hop in. I’ll take you home.”
The drive to my house was quick. When we pulled into my driveway, Nate parked, but left the engine running. He walked me to the door, and paused.
“Here.” I started to remove the jacket. “I don’t want to forget to give you this.”
“Keep it. You can wear to school Monday.” He smirked as he shifted on his feet. He looked almost nervous.
“But people will think we’re together.” I stumbled over the words.
“Would that be bad?” He moved closer and leaned in. “I like you, Jen. I had fun tonight. I’d like to do this again.” His words got quieter and quieter until he was almost whispering. Before I could respond, he pressed his lips to mine. The shock of it all caused me to gasp, and when I did, he slipped his tongue between my lips. Now, Darrin and I had made out before, but Nate’s kisses were so different. Where Darrin was a lazy kisser, Nate’s were powerful, almost like a drug. His hands came up to frame my face as his tongue massaged mine. I instinctively stepped closer, and he groaned. When he broke the kiss, we just stood there staring at each other. He was panting, and I could see what looked like a war going on in his eyes. “Damn, Jenni,” he hissed.
“Yeah.” I shook my head to clear it. I needed to get inside before I said something stupid. “I’ll see you Monday.” I reached for the door as he began backing up toward the stairs.
“Un huh.” He nodded before jogging down the steps, and hopping in his car.
I went inside, and just stood in front of the window watching him as he drove away. When I was sure he couldn’t see me, I snuggled down into his jacket, and inhaled. It smelled just like him, and I knew that I was a goner. Nate Carter had worked his way under my skin, and if I wasn’t careful he’d be weaseling his way under other things too.
Chapter 5
Jenni
Homecoming. When the school year started, I could have sworn that Darrin and I would be attending the game together, and then making an appearance at the dance before he took me somewhere more private. It’s what we had done the year before, but this year was different.
A few days after my date with Nate, he asked me to be his sponsor in the homecoming court. I wasn’t sure I was going to do it at first, but Kenzie pretty much told me she would disown me as a best friend if I told him no. At first I thought she was kidding, but the glare she gave me when I laughed at her told me she wasn’t. After a week’s pressure from the two of them, I gave in.
Nate and I have been spending pretty much every day together. It’s weird really. We never really defined what we were, but I’m thinking that we’re a thing since everybody else assumes we are. He’s never refuted it when one of his friends called him out. I still have his letter jacket, and wear it practically every day. I’d be lying if I said that bothered me.
oooooooo
“What’s up, Stone?” Nate slipped into his seat in his relaxed way, and turned toward me.
I rolled my eyes at his greeting. “You know you can call me Jen?”
“I know.” He chuckled as he leaned closer. “I like Stone, I’m saving Jen for a special time.” His brows bounced as mischief spread across his face.
“Nate.” I sighed. “We talked about this. I’m not ready for that.”
“I know.” He gave a quick, tight smile. “You will be soon. Trust me.” He flipped open his calculus notebook. “You get a dress yet?”
“My mom’s taking me this weekend.” I grinned. One thing that excited me about homecoming was getting a fancy dress. Darrin’s lack of interest in that part bummed me out last year. The fact that Nate actually seemed to be looking forward to the night made this year’s preparations so much more fun.
“Get something that shows off your legs.” Nate’s eyes scanned down my denim clad legs.
“How about I surprise you?” I giggled.
“I like the sound of that. I have a few surprises planned too.” He smirked. “It’ll be a night you won’t forget.”
“Sounds like fun,” I mused. I didn’t know how right he was at the moment.
“It will be.” Right at that moment Mrs. Sanderson came in and started class, causing me to abandon our banter and focus on calculus.
oooooooo
“You look beautiful, honey.” Mom was snapping pictures as I swayed from side to side in the family room. I’d chosen a light pink strapless dress. The top was encrusted with tiny crystals, and from the waist down it flowed in layers of chiffon around my legs. The color was perfect for my complexion. I knew the heels I was wearing would be killing me before the dance even started, but I wanted something to make me look taller. My five-foot four frame looked dwarfed next to Nate. He was well over six feet.
“Thanks.” I smiled softly as I reached for my jacket.
“I don’t understand why he isn’t picking you up though.” Her face twisted as I grabbed my purse and keys.
“Nate’s on the team, Mom. He had to be there early for the game. I wasn’t n
eeded until half time. We’re meeting up after for the dance. This is just easier.” I shrugged. I understood, but my mom was having a hard time with it. “I’ll be home before midnight.” I smiled.
“There’s no rush, honey. Have fun.” Mom waved as I made my way to the door.
“Thanks.” I stepped out into the evening air, determined to have a good time. I’d found out earlier this week that Darrin was taking Michelle to the dance. I knew they’d been getting closer, but I didn’t think it was that serious. She’d made a comment in history class the other day that she was dress shopping, and Darrin was taking her to the dance. It stung to hear it, but I kept telling myself that it didn’t matter. I had Nate, and he wanted to go with me.
As I made my way to the high school, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Nate’s been pressuring me for the last two weeks to let him get a hotel room for after the dance. I’ve told him over and over that I’m not ready for that. He says he understands, but I can see the frustration on his face every time I say no. I’ve only been going out with him for a few months. Part of me thinks it’s unreasonable for him to be asking me already, but another part me is intrigued. I’ve always told myself I’d wait, but what am I waiting for? Nate would know what he’s doing, and he seems to really like me.
It didn’t take long to arrive at the football field. As I climbed from the car, I shook the thoughts of Nate and sex from my head. He was twisting me up, and tonight was supposed to be fun. There was already a small line forming near one of the end zones for the homecoming court representatives. I left my jacket in the car, and rushed to go claim my place in line. The one thing that I had on Michelle was this. Darrin wasn’t on the team, so Michelle didn’t get to be a part of the ceremony. She and Darrin would have to watch from the stands. I didn’t think I stood a chance at winning. I’m not the most popular girl in our class, and this is exactly that… a popularity contest.
oooooooo
“You look beautiful.” Nate leaned into my side as we walked toward the door to the gym.
“Thanks.” I giggled nervously.
“You got robbed tonight. Stephanie shouldn’t have won. You were a way better choice.” He threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side.
“I don’t know about that.” I rolled my eyes. He was trying to be sweet, but I wasn’t buying that I should have won.
“Well, I think you look great.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, “Did you think about what I asked you yesterday?” My feet jerked, causing me to stumble. “Hey, no one knows what we’re talking about.” He moved closer and kissed my jawline. “I just want to show you how good we could be.” I laughed lightly, trying to push the nerves away, and then swallowed when he flashed a plastic key card in front of me.
“Put that away!” I hissed.
“Fine.” He sighed as he straightened up, and shoved the card back in his pocket.
When we reached the door, it was as if the conversation had never happened. Nate’s earlier frustration with me melted away, and he opened the door like a gentleman. When we stepped into the gym, Nate turned up his usual swagger to off the charts. He led me through the crowd, and over to where his friends were hanging out with their dates. I recognized a few of them, but we weren’t really friends.
“S’up?” Drew, one of the other seniors lifted his chin in greeting.
“Not much.” Nate chuckled as he reached into his pocket and produced a small flask. “Want some?” He offered it to me first, but when I turned him down, he sighed loudly before passing it to one of the other guys.
I stood there awkwardly as conversations carried on around me. What I had thought was going to be a fun night, was quickly turning sour. Nate seemed uninterested when I turned down his hotel room idea, and now I was surrounded by game talk.
“Jenni!” I heard my name being called and turned around.
“Kenzie.” I smiled. “I’m gonna go get some punch and say hi to Kenzie.” I tapped Nate’s arm to get his attention.
“Sure. Ok.” He nodded absently. I don’t think he would have even noticed if I’d just left.
“Hey.” I grinned as I approached her. “Where’s your date?”
“At home.” She sighed. “He called me this morning claiming he was sick. I still don’t know if I believe him or not, but I bought this fancy dress, so I wasn’t going to let it go to waste.” She bounced on the balls of her feet. “You look gorgeous, by the way.”
“Thanks.” I glanced around, and that’s when I saw them. Darrin and Michelle were walking in. She was snuggled into his side, but he wasn’t looking at her. Nope, the asshole was staring at me. His eyes bore into mine, and I could feel his stare through my clothes.
“Ignore him. He’s a jerk,” Kenzie grumbled.
“I know. I knew she was his date, but I didn’t think it would hurt this bad to see them together.” I pressed my lips together. I would not cry, not over Darrin. He’d gotten enough of my tears.
“Where’s Nate? He should be showing you off.” Kenzie scanned the gym until her eyes landed on Nate in the corner.
“He’s hanging out with his friends. They’re talking about football. I was bored after just a few minutes.” I shrugged.
“He just played a three-hour game.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s had enough football talk. Go ask him to dance.” She pushed me a little from behind.
“He doesn’t want to dance with me,” I muttered, “at least not that kind of dancing.”
“Wait!” She held up her hand before coming around to stand in front of me. “You and Nate haven’t?”
“No.” I shook my head. “You know this.”
“Well, I thought you were just keeping it to yourself. I can’t believe Nate Carter hasn’t tried yet. I mean, he’s famous for his skills, Jenni. I’ve heard that once you’ve been with Nate, you’re ruined for other guys.” Kenzie bobbed her brows.
“You’re insane,” I grumbled. “He’s just a guy, and those are just rumors.”
“Maybe, but they had to come from some truth,” she mused. “Come on. Your date is going to dance with you even if I have to be the one to ask him.”
Despite the fact that I was putting up a fight, Kenzie half pulled/ half dragged me over to the group Nate was standing with. “Hey, football star.” Kenzie tapped his shoulder. Nate paused in his storytelling to turn around and see who was interrupting him. His eyes looked slightly glazed as if the alcohol he’d smuggled in was finally hitting him. “Your date wants to dance. You better take her for a spin, or I’ll find someone else to do it for you.”
Nate threw his head back and laughed. “You’re a bossy one. Glad I’m not dating you.” His eyes swung to me, and darkened. “Come on, Jen. Let’s dance.”
“We don’t have to do this,” I whispered as he led me onto the dance floor.
“Yes, we do. Your best friend said so.” He moved to stand in front of me, and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You look really sexy tonight.” He leaned in, and I could feel his breath feather across my cheek.
“You said that already.” My voice trembled as my nerves cranked up another notch.
“Why do you get so uptight around me?” He chuckled. One arm slid down my back, bringing us closer.
“Because you’re Nate Carter,” I stammered. “I never know what I’m getting with you, or what you’re wanting from me.”
“I told you what I want.” His voice lowered as he stepped into me, bringing our torsos closer. As my thighs brushed against him, I could feel a pretty impressive erection forming. “You’re driving me mad, Jen. You and your sexy body that you won’t let me touch.”
“I’m sorry.” I clamped down on my lip with my teeth as a sigh escaped me.
“Don’t be sorry. Let me touch you,” he begged. “I think you want me too, you’re just afraid that you’ll like it.” Nate didn’t realize how right he was. Darrin and I had touched each other, but that was as far as it had gotten. I was afraid if I let Nate touch me, I�
�d give in and we’d end up in that hotel room. “We don’t have to go all the way. Just let me touch you.”
“I don’t know…” I trailed off as I stepped impossibly closer to him.
“You want to. I know you do,” he teased.
“Can we just dance a little?” I glanced up at him, and he nodded. I think he figured out that he needed to back off. He’d pushed enough, and if he kept it up, I was gonna bolt because that’s exactly how I felt. I didn’t need him adding to the battle that was waging in my head. I already had enough voices in there telling me to give in. Nate just didn’t know it yet.
Chapter 6
Jenni
Nate and I spent the next several songs on the dance floor. I was impressed; his friends had harassed him more than once to come back over to their little gathering. I honestly didn’t know what the appeal to that would be. I mean, we came to a dance. What was the point in being here if it wasn’t to dance?
“Are you having a good time?” he murmured next to my ear. He’d been leaning into me for a while now, and I’d thought he was going to kiss me again.
“Mmm hmm.” I nodded as I glanced up at him. His eyes were dark, and I could just make out his features on the darkened dance floor. “Thanks for making me come.”
“It wasn’t hard. You wanted to; I just gave you the push you needed.” He chuckled as one hand began to move up and down my back. “Are you sure you don’t want to get out here?” His nose skimmed along my jaw.
“Nate.” I sighed as my fingers played with the hair at his nape. “I told you…” My words trailed off as I saw them in the corner. It was like a punch in the gut. Darrin and Michelle were locked in an embrace. His eyes met mine, and a smirk slipped into place as she palmed his crotch. I reacted; I couldn’t help it. I felt anger roll through me as my feet stumbled.
“What’s wrong?” Nate glanced in the direction I was looking.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 4